Geraldine Katherine Bittner of South Bend, Wash., passed away after a long illness at the age of 80 on March 27, 2017, at the Willapa Harbor Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Tacoma, Wash., on March 20, 1937. She moved to Raymond with her father, Orville Sheridan, and stepmother, Bliss Mosely. She attended Raymond High school, where she met many of her lifelong friends.
She met and married Arthur Swanson of Aberdeen and started a family. She moved to Tacoma where she began to sell real estate after her children were older. Later she relocated with the family to Tokeland and owned and operated Capt’s Tavern and the Tokeland Hotel. She then moved to Aberdeen and began to sell real estate again and met and married Herb Bittner. They were married for over 30 years. Together they purchased Olson’s Tavern in 1982 in South Bend, Wash. and renamed to O. Sheridan’s after her father. They owned and operated O. Sheridan’s for over 25 years. She continued to operate O. Sheridan’s for over 25 years until her retirement and later constructed her business into her home on the beautiful Willapa River, which was the joy of her life. She enjoyed looking out over the river every day and brought her much happiness.
She was very active in the community and always enjoyed helping and donating to many great organizations and causes. She was an active Eagles’, Elks’ and American Legion member. She supported Helping Hands Charity, HAVA, as well as the South Bend historical Museum. Every Labor Day she attended the Patriotic Memorial for the World War II vets and loved patriotic songs.
She enjoyed playing poker, her pool teams and working her crosswords. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great friends from South Bend. She always talked so proud of where she was living in the Pacific Co. Seat. She was an active member of the museum where she was a volunteer and board member. She also volunteered her services at the Raymond Eagles. She enjoyed nature and all the birds and sea life on the river everyday. She was not afraid to speak her mind and share her opinions on the news of the day. She had a witty sense of humor. She will be truly missed by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Herb of over 30 years. She is survived by her brother Orville and Joanne Sheridan of Aberdeen; daughters Constance and Jack Goretti, Christine and Tom Bedell, Catherine and David Goldberg, Carreen and Randall Laroche; nephew Ross Sheridan; nieces Kelly Ristine and Jonna Beber; five grandchildren Kristin, Karmen, Nelson, Nolon, and Eli; her former husband Arthur J. Swanson, and her pet dog Maximillan and who brought her much happiness.
There will be no service as requested by Geraldine. The family asks that any donations may be made to the South Bend historical museum or HAVA. Please share any memories of condolences to visit Stollers Mortuary Raymond, Wash.
